Central Maryland
Soccer Association
Build Out Line Policy

Soccer has introduced the following policy and field marking change in 7v7 play.

The use of a Build Out LINE for the U8, U9 & U10 levels is now required.

The installation and use of the build out lines will be used to promote playing the ball out of the back (defensive) area in an unpressured situation. The punting of the ball by the goalie will no longer be allowed.

The guidelines as adopted by US Club, USYSA, AYSO and SAY regarding the use of the line during game play are as follows:

  1. Any infraction regarding a head ball, the Goalie "punting” and/or dropkicking the ball will result in an indirect free kick.
  2. Goalkeepers cannot punt or drop kick the ball at any time; they must throw, roll, or placekick the ball. If the goalkeeper does punt or drop kick the ball, the restart will result in an indirect free kick from where the offense occurred.
  3. On goal kicks the opposing team should be outside of the build out line before the kick can be taken. However, the goalkeeper does not have to wait until the other team is over the line to take the kick. If the goalie puts the ball in play before the opposing team has crossed the line, the ball is immediately in play no matter where the opposing players are at that time. The ball is in play when it moves, and players can immediately cross the build out line. The referees should encourage the opposing team to retreat past this line.
  4. On all free kicks inside the penalty area, the opposing team must be making an effort to retreat past the build out line, However, if the kicking team decides to quick kick the restart, then it is fair play for the opposing team to play the ball as long as they have made a clear effort to retreat, and the ball has been played and clearly moves.
  5. OFFSIDES: OFFSIDES CAN ONLY BE CALLED IF THE ATTACKING TEAM IS INSIDE THEIR ATTACKING SIDE OF THE BUILD OUT LINE. The midfield line no longer has anything to do with offsides.

The Build Out line is to be installed halfway between the top of the penalty box line and the middle line, straight across the field from sideline to sideline.